The Boy Scouts of America – How does one forgive Stupid?

So – The Boy Scouts of America will continue to ban gay members. Took them two years to review and make this decision. I’m just wondering… were there any scouts on this panel that represented “a diversity of perspectives and opinions?”

Boy Scouts chief executive Bob Mazzuca explained in a statement: “The vast majority of parents of youth we serve value their right to address issues of same-sex orientation within their family, with spiritual advisers and at the appropriate time and in the right setting.”

I’m also wondering if the fact that organized religion is now sponsoring 62 percent of scout troops had any influence on this decision.

The Mormon Church, which sponsors some 23 percent of Boy Scout troops, actually requires Boy Scout participation for members of its own youth ministry.

The Mormon Church pumped millions of dollars into the State of California to make sure the gay marriage law didn’t pass, so one would have to think that perhaps this “religion” may have had some pull in the discrimination of young gay men who want to join the Boy Scouts of America.

Isn’t religion supposed to be about love and forgiveness?

The word Forgive is defined by the Free Online Dictionary as follows:

to cease to blame or hold resentment against (someone or something)

to grant pardon for (a mistake, wrongdoing, etc.)

(tr) to free or pardon (someone) from penalty

(tr) to free from the obligation of (a debt, payment, etc.)

The thing is, I don’t blame these self-righteous church people for anything, and I’m not resentful; I just think they’re ignorant and homophobic and afraid of what they don’t know. Besides – how does one forgive stupid?

It’s the boys who will suffer – the boys who can’t become Boy Scouts who will feel less-than, discriminated against and worthless. While the boys who can become Boy Scouts will feel superior, and know that it’s okay to bully and discriminate against the gay community.

The Boy Scouts of America are a privately owned organization. It’s obvious who owns them – and it’s obvious that their Bibles all preach discrimination and homophobia. What a wonderful example of fine-Christian-Living this is, and how sad for the gay kids who already face hostility and violence every day in their own country.

Opinions and advice expressed in our Views & Voices columns represent the author's or publication's own views and not necessarily those of LGBTQ Nation. We welcome opposing views and diverse perspectives. To submit a article, column or video, contact us here. Due to the volume of submissions received, we cannot guarantee publication, however you are invited to express your opinion in the comment section below.